NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAM PROSPECTUS · Geico and other Insurance Companies are exploring the use of Blockchains to provide smarter and more flexible insurance products to customers (v)

1 Effective January 2019.

Albany State University-Nexus Degree Prospectus, Date of Submission: September 4th 2018

Dept of Math and Computer Science, Albany State University, Tel: 1-229-430-4886, Email: [email protected]

NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAM

PROSPECTUS

Institution: Albany State University

Institutional Contact: Dr. Raj Parikh, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

[email protected]

Secondary Contact:

Dr. Robert Owor, Interim Chair, Math and Computer Science & Professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering.

[email protected]

Date: September 4th 2018

College: College of: Arts and Sciences

Department of: Mathematics and Computer Science

Degree Name: Nexus Degree in Blockchain with Machine Learning

Degree CIP Code:

Degree Acronym:

Anticipated Effective Date to Implement the Program: January 2019

ICC Project #:




Prospectus for a New Academic Program in Blockchain Technology leading to a Nexus Degree in

Blockchain with Machine Learning

OBJECTIVES

(i) To Prepare Students for the High Demand Career of Blockchain with Machine Learning, a revolutionary

technology which will affect every facet of Business and Industry as evidenced by the ASU Playbook

Research done over the last 6 months.

(ii) To respond to the Board of Regents Recognition of the need to modernize our Computer Science

Curriculum to reflect the emerging financial technologies (FINTECHs such as Blockchain and Machine

Learning) sub-disciplines of Computer Science.

(iii) To incorporate Apprenticeships, Internships, Work Studies and Clinical Work Experiences in our

program so that students are better prepared for the workforce.

VISION OF THE PROGRAM

Consistent with the ASU vision and the broader vision of the University System of Georgia, this nexus degree will offer a Blockchain with Machine Learning Program focusing on teaching, learning, workforce development and research at Albany State University in order to prepare students and the workforce for high demand careers in the blockchain data enabled, data intensive, automated and artificial intelligence driven workforce environments of the 21st century.

The University System of Georgia Office of Innovations under Dr. Art Recesso, Chief Innovation

Officer, conducted research over a 6-month period about high demand career areas in Mathematics and

Computer Science for Albany State University (ASU). This resulted in an ASU Playbook [8] which

recommended that Data Science and Blockchain are high demand areas for which Nexus Degrees should be

developed. Nexus Degrees are Degree Programs in which 18 Credit Hours of the 60 hour Area G of

Bachelor's Degrees are focused on a specific high demand area with upto 6 of the 18 hours spent on

Industrial/Business Apprenticeships and Internships placement with an Employer/Project Funder/Project

Initiator.

The vision of this Nexus Degree Program is to create a flexible, workforce oriented degree program in

which academic training is blended with business and industrial apprenticeships, internships, work-studies

and clinical training so that graduating students are hired immediately after graduation. In addition to

Academic Training, Students have to meet Soft Skills, Technical Skills, Work Ethics, Dress Code, Oral and

Written Communication Skills, Leadership, Teamwork and Individual Initiative Training which is co-offered

and Co-Evaluated by ASU and Employers




JUSTIFICATION OF NEED FOR THE PROGRAM

1) Justification of Need:

What is Blockchain with Machine Learning, why is it important, and why is it growing rapidly?

1. Blockchain is a new Distributed Ledger Technology which allows businesses and organizations to transact business with high trust using smart contract technology, immutable and secure records, instant notifications, and integration with automated data sources such as the Internet of Things and Machine Learning Systems [1]. Blockchain Technology is rapidly finding application in the finance, insurance, medical, manufacturing, supply chain/logistics and other areas where high trust, data security, controlled access, Permissioned sharing of data and quick decision making using machine learning is extremely important [2]. While Blockchain Technology originated from crypto-currencies such as Bitcoin, the underlying technology behind it is novel and revolutionary with regard to data management [4]. It is expanding rapidly being applied to automated and artificial intelligence based systems as a core part of business and industrial applications.

Blockchain with Machine Learning is a rapidly expanding area of computer science which provides immutable records, high trust systems, secure data and smart contracts with artificial intelligence based rules, regulations and procedures for executing a series of actions to fulfill real business and technical contracts [3]. These contracts could involve the manufacture of goods, the provision of services or the enforcement of regulations. There is an acute shortage of people trained in Blockchain with Machine Learning. McKinsey Global Institute states that by 2020 the number of Data Science and Analytics job listings is projected to grow by nearly 364,000 listings to approximately 2,720,000 [5]. In 2016, Albany State University trained 12 students in Blockchain Technology, all 12 students were hired by IBM and more blockchain trained students were demanded by Geico, Google, Facebook, Microsoft and other companies who requested us to train more students in Blockchain Analytics and Machine Learning.

2. Focus on Blockchain Machine Learning According to the McKinsey report[5], “The Age of Analytics, 2016" (2016),

"Recent advances in machine learning can be used to solve a tremendous variety of problems—and

deep learning is pushing the boundaries even further. Systems enabled by machine learning can

provide customer service, manage logistics, analyze medical records, or even write news stories. The

value potential is everywhere, even in industries that have been slow to digitize. These technologies

could generate productivity gains and an improved quality of life—along with job losses and other

disruptions. Previous MGI research found that 45 percent of work activities could potentially be

automated by currently demonstrated technologies; machine learning can be an enabling technology

for the automation of 80 percent of those activities. Breakthroughs in natural language processing

could expand that impact even further.”




The following table snapshot illustrates the number of job listings in Machine Learning from a survey done by

McKinsey [5].

Source: McKinsey Report: "The Age of Analytics, 2016", 2016.

Machine Learning and Data Analytics are clearly high demand careers which command high salaries.




Albany State University became the first University in the University System of Georgia (USG) to offer two Nexus Degrees upon the approval of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents on August 14th 2018. The Approval came after the USG Board considered among other factors, the comprehensive 6-month ASU Playbook [8] which studied employer and student demand for high demand and high paying careers in the State of Georgia and nationally. The ASU Playbook [8] made a number of recommendations which were adopted and approved by the University System of Georgia. The two Nexus Degrees which were approved are:

(i) The Blockchain with Machine Learning Nexus Degree;

(ii) The Blockchain with Data Analytics Nexus Degree.

The first program, Blockchain with Machine Learning Nexus Degree, focuses on learning how to

provide the Blockchain with intelligence to automatically make decisions based on behavioral changes taking

place in systems, processes, people and data in the blockchain. This Nexus Degree is more

Developer/Software Developer oriented. A deep appreciation for and acquisition of skills in Blockchain

Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Systems, Processes, Procedures and automation theory

forms a major part of the course work. Additionally, blockchain development operations, Systems Analysis,

Agile Technology, database, Programming, coding and testing skills will be required. These skills include

among others, programming languages and tools such as Solidity, Go, Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, SQL, DB2,

Hyperledger Fabric, Ethereum, Corda, , Watson, Hadoop, (Java, C++, Visual Studio), Javascript, NodeJS

and/or Oracle.

The second program, Blockchain with Data Analytics Nexus Degree, focuses more on analyzing

massive data sets in blockchains and providing insights which help decision makers (a) optimize efficiency,

(b) minimize costs , (c) reduce delays and accelerate processes , (d) ensure data security and privacy, and (e)

enable data sharing. Data Analytics and Data Science Skills include a good appreciation of statistics and its

applications in Descriptive and Inferential Statistics, Statistical Measures of Performance over periods of

time, Statistical Prediction Models, Comparative Statistics, Statistical Decision Modeling, Ranking and

Factors Analysis, Learning Models, Discovery Algorithms for Anomaly Detection, Fraud Detection,

Individual and Group Profiling, Market Trends Analysis and Demand and Supply Projections; and,

Summaries, Presentation Graphics and Report Writing for Managerial Decision Making. Some of the major

tools used for Blockchain Big Data Analysis include Hyperledger, Ethereum, Corda, Watson Studio, Hadoop,

R, Python, SAS, SPSS, Excel, JMP, Javascript, NodeJS, HTML and CSS among others.




2) Demand for the Program A. Student Demand:

1. National Demand:

In the ASU Playbook [8] study conducted over a 6 month period the following results emerged from

interviewing employers and researching trends in blockchain, analytics and machine learning:

(i) Up to 60% of data science, data analytics, digital supply chain, enterprise resource planning systems,

blockchain and machine learning will require mainly certifications and bachelor's degrees. The Industry is

demanding flexible, online, hybrid modes of instruction delivery which meets their requirements and

accommodates their work schedules. Moreover, preliminary research done among local business and industry

partners namely Miller Coors Brewery, P&G, Marine Corps Logistics Base, Fort Benning, Moody Air force,

Robbins Air Force Base, IBM, First Data, Phoebe and the City of Albany shows that there is strong demand

for data science, analytics, Mechatronics, and supply chain/logistics.

(ii) 40% of data science, data analytics, digital supply chain, ERP Systems, blockchain and machine learning

will require advanced degrees. Consideration and arrangements need to be made for college graduates who

may or may not be already working but wish to pursue or advance their careers in Data Science.

(iii) Even with many colleges and universities across the USA beginning to offer certifications, bachelor's and

graduate degree programs in data science, the demand far exceeds supply. Only 1 in 14 Blockchain, Data

Science and machine Learning are being filled today.

(iv) There is an urgent need to build certificate, degree and graduate degree programs to offset the high

demand for data scientists. While there are several efforts to build these new skill sets, the training landscape

itself has dramatically changed requiring new technologies, modes of instruction, rapid adoption of new

materials and shortened programs to be put in place. Blockchain technology is rapidly transforming financial

technologies, banking, insurance, enterprise resource planning and supply chain/logistics, even as industry

and business moves its understanding from Bitcoin to the broader blockchain technology features which affect

transactions, security, immutability, trust and smart contracts. Geico and other Insurance Companies are

exploring the use of Blockchains to provide smarter and more flexible insurance products to customers

(v) There is a need to establish a roadmap to respond to the provision for and advancement of data science,

analytics, digital supply chain, ERP systems, blockchain and machine learning. According to the Vice

President of Miller-Coors in Albany Georgia, in the age of the fourth industrial revolution which is being

witnessed right now, all machines, equipment and vehicles are being wired with machine intelligence. The

ability to extract and utilize data from these systems in a timely manner will literally mean the difference

between success and failure, profit and loss, relevance and obsolesce.




2. Demand at Albany State University: In 2015, Albany State University partnered with IBM to better

prepare students for the workforce by teaching them various skills that the industry was demanding for. These

skills included development operations, excellent customer services, communication and work ethic skills,

and specific technical skills such as Blockchain, Data Analytics and Machine Learning. In 2017, a course was

offered at ASU in Blockchain with emphasis on coding boot camps, Hackathons, competitive software

development and internships. The result was 12 students who excelled in Blockchain and were all hired by

IBM after placing second in a national Hackathon. Since then, several ASU students have shown tremendous

interest in Computer Science at. In Fall 2018, we have over 120 new computer science students enrolled at

ASU with at least 25 ready to start the Nexus Degrees in Blockchain with Machine Learning/Data Analytics

right away. This is even before the program is officially started. Several Local Employers such as Phoebe

Putney Hospital, Miller-Coors, P&G, the Marine Logistics base and TSys have consistently requested that we

prepare students with data analytics skills because decision making is becoming increasingly data driven and

employees who can quickly gather, analyze, interpret and summarize data are on high demand.

B. Employer Demand

The demand for Employees with Data Science/Analytics skills continues to soar in the USA [7].

Students graduating from College are increasingly being asked to demonstrate Data Analytics Skills,

Communications and other Soft Skills in addition to the specific technical discipline skills they are expected

to have.

LinkedIn says that Blockchain, Machine Learning, Data Science and Data Analysts are in acute short

supply in the USA. According to a recent survey conducted by LinkedIn in August 2018, there were at least

151,717 unfilled Data Science and Machine Learning positions across USA [9]. According to Forbes

Magazine, by 2020, the demand for Data Analysts and Machine Learning Experts will soar to over 2.7

million with salaries ranging from 105,00.00 to 117,000.00 per annum on average [6]. The Society for Human

resource Management [6] states that the priority requirements for Blockchain, Analytics and Machine

Learning are:

At least 3 years in data science and data mining or internships and/or industry partnerships.

• BS, BA, MA or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Statistics, Math, Econometrics or

Analytics. This can be supplanted by appropriate certifications and/combination of skills below:

o Big data technologies including Hadoop, MapReduce, Hive, Pig, Cassandra

o Blockchain Technologies

o Machine learning algorithms

o Linear algebra, calculus or mathematical analysis training




o R, Python, PHP, Ruby, Matlab, JAVA, C++, SQL, SAS, SPSS, Watson Studio

o Multivariate statistics - regression, principal components analysis and clustering, classification,

logistic regression

o Data-driven predictive model development.

o Large dataset experience using Teradata, Oracle or SQL.

o Business intelligence tools including Business Objects, MicroStrategy and Tableau.

Essential Skills

• Inquisitive, curious and creative.

• Persuasive communication skills.

• Communicate to a diverse audience at multiple levels of the organization.

• Challenge existing best practices and explore new alternatives and introduce new initiatives.

• Share knowledge and clearly articulate insights to technical staff, management and decision makers.

• Manage teams and projects across multiple departments on and offshore.

• Consult with clients and assist in business development.

• Take abstract business issues and derive an analytical solution.

Research indicates that Data Scientists are needed at all levels. 40% of the Data Science Jobs require

advanced degrees, while 60% require Bachelors, Associates and Certificates.

Non-Duplication of Other USG Programs

University System: Albany State University became the first University in the University System of Georgia (USG) to offer two Nexus Degrees upon the approval of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents on August 14th 2018. There is thus no duplication of other USG programs in this program.




Unique branding of the Blockchain with Machine Learning Nexus Degree at Albany State University:

The ASU Nexus Degree Brand will expand upon the existing and highly successful collaboration with IBM to provide practical and experiential learning to our students using virtual cloud based environments, apprenticeships, internships, boot camps, Hackathons and badge based certifications of proof of skill acquisition. Other Employers including the Marine Corps Logistics Base, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, TSys, Geigo, Phoebe, P&G, Miller Coors and others are also part of our Academic-Industry Partnership to deliver the Nexus Degree Program. The Nexus Programs will be run under a new Center for Blockchain, Analytics and Machine Learning under the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Resources and Timing:

The resources required for this program include faculty, administrative staff, classroom space, laboratory space and supplies, computer hardware and software, online and hybrid learning materials, cloud and virtual learning environments, and library assets. We estimate classroom contributions from more than 10 full-time faculty currently appointed and 3-5 part time faculty to be recruited as needed. The majority of the faculty will come from the departments of Math and Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the departments of Business Degree programs in the College of Professional Studies. Many of the course materials have already been developed and a select number of course materials will be completed by October 2018.

We anticipate that 25-40 students will enroll in the first year and that numbers may swell to more than 120 or more within the first 3 years. Depending on the approval process, we hope to launch the program in the Spring of 2019.

Model of the Program

The Blockchain with Machine Learning Nexus Degree will be part of a Degree Program such as B.S in

Computer Science, B.S in Mathematics or Bachelors of Business Administration, B.S Economics. 18 hours of

Major Electives in Area G, out of the 60 hours are used to specialize in Blockchain with Machine Learning in

order to earn the Nexus degree.

The 18-hours required for this Nexus Degree are as follows: CSCI4392 Introduction to Blockchain Technology - 3 Credit Hours

CSCI4319 Introduction to Machine Learning - 3 Credit Hours

CSCI4397 Blockchain Design - 3 Credit Hours

CSCI4398 Blockchain Implementation - 3 Credit Hours

CSC4611 Apprenticeship - 3 Credit Hours

CSCI4612 Apprenticeship- 3 Credit Hours

Total - 18 Hours




The Check Sheet for the Blockchain with Machine Learning Nexus degree Program is shown below as an

example:

B.S. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE: AND BLOCKCHAIN WITH MACHINE LEARNING NEXUS

DEGREE

Areas A, B, C, D, E and F remain the same. Area G contains 18 hours of Blockchain required courses for the Nexus Degree

CORE CURRICULUM (AREA F)

Core Requirements CSCI 1201 Intro to Computer Science 3

CSCI 1301 Computer Science I 4

CSCI 1302 Computer Science II 4

MATH 2411 Basic Statistics 3

MATH 2111 Linear Algebra 3

AREA G - MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (60 HRS.)

Computer Science Courses (33 hours)

CSCI 2211 Visual Basic Programming

3

CSCI 3111 Discrete Structures

3

CSCI 3122 Data Structures

3

CSCI 3132 Database Management

3

CSCI 3211 Computer Org & Architecture I

3

CSCI 4113 Operating Systems

3

CSCI 4123 Computer Networks

3

CSCI 4211 Systems Analysis I

3

CSCI 4221 Software Engineering

3

CSCI 4915 Web Design & Development

3

CSCI 4921 Senior Project I

1

CSCI 4922 Senior Project II

2




MATHEMATICS COURSES REQUIRED (6 HOURS)

MATH 3411 Statistical Methods 3

MATH 3423 Operations Research 3

BLOCKCHAIN REQUIRED COURSES (18 Hours)

CSCI4392 Introduction to Blockchain Technology (3 Hours)

CSCI4397 Blockchain Design Thinking (3 Hours)

CSCI4389 Blockchain Coding and Implementation (3 Hours)

CSCI4319 Introduction to Machine Learning (3 Hours)

CSCI4611 Apprenticeship I (3 Hours)

CSCI4612 Apprenticeship 2 (3 Hours)

MAJOR ELECTVES (3 HOURS, CHOOSE ONE FROM THE LIST BELOW)

CSCI 3000 Introduction to Cryptography

3

CSCI 3200 Design & Analysis of Algorithms 3

CSCI 3300 High Performance Computing

3

CSCI 3335 Security Risk Management

3

CSCI 4338 Network & Operating Sys. Security 3

CSCI 4340 Wireless & Mobile Security 3

CSCI 4344 Computer Forensics 3

CSCI 4911 Special Topics in Computer Science 3

B.S. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE WITH BLOCKCHAIN NEXUS DEGREE: PROGRAM OF STUDY

124 Semester Hours

Freshman Year

Fall ENGL 1101 English Composition I 3

MATH 1111 College Algebra 3

ASU 1101 First Year Experience 1

CSCI 1201 Intro to Computer Science 3

HIST 1111 World History I 3

HIST 1002 Intro to African Diaspora 2

Subtotal 15

Spring




ENGL 1102 English Composition II 3

MATH 1113 Pre-Calculus 3

COMM 1100 Fund. of Public Speaking 3

CSCI 1301 Computer Science I 4

ENGL 2111 World Literature I 3

Subtotal 16

Sophomore Year

Fall MATH 1211 Calculus I 4

AREA C Choice 3

CSCI 1302 Computer Science II 4

Minor Electives 3

POLS 1101 US & GA Government 3

Subtotal 17

Spring MATH 2411 Basic Statistics 3

Area E Choice 3

CSCI 2211 Visual Basic Programming 3

CSCI 3122 Data Structures 3

BIOL 2107K Principles of Biology I 4

Subtotal 16

Junior Year

Fall CSCI 3111 Discrete Structures 3

MATH 2111 Linear Algebra 3

BIOL 2108K Principles of Biology II 4

CSCI 3132 Database Management 3

CSCI 4392 Intro to Blockchain Technology 3*

Subtotal 16

Spring

MATH 3411 Statistical Methods 3

CSCI 3211 Computer Org. &

Architecture I 3

CSCI 4211 Systems Analysis I 3

CSCI 4123 Computer Networks 3

CSCI 4397 Blockchain Design 3*

PEDH Activity Course 1

Subtotal 16




Senior Year

Fall CSCI 4113 Operating Systems 3

MATH 3423 Intro to Operations Research 3

CSCI 4221 Software Engineering 3

CSCI 4611 Apprenticeship 3*

HIST 1112 World History II 3

Subtotal 15

Spring CSCI 4319 Intro to Machine Learning 3*

CSCI 4915 Web Design & Development 3

CSCI 4398 Blockchain Implementation 3*

CSCI 4612 Apprenticeship 3*

PEDH Activity Course 1

Subtotal 13

Total Credit Hours: 124

Administrative structure:

The Nexus Programs will be run under a new Center for Blockchain, Analytics and Machine Learning

in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the College of Arts and Sciences. The

Center will administer the program, assuming responsibility for the day-to-day administration, faculty

management, scheduling of classes and student advising among other roles. There will be close

collaboration with other organs of the University particularly the Office of Career Services in the

coordination of employer based curricula, apprenticeships, internships and other experiential based learning

activities. These functions will be carried out by the Executive Director of the Blockchain, Analytics

and Machine Learning Center in association with a curriculum committee composed of faculty

representatives from participating schools and departments. An Advisory Board will be created to

provide guidance on directions and trends in Business and Industry. Student Training:

The course work consisting of 12 credit hours will be carried out alongside the Apprenticeships (total of 6

credit hours), which makes up 18 credit hours of the Nexus Degree Program out of 60 Hours of Area G

requirements. Typically, course work will cover the theoretical foundations for Blockchain, Data

Analytics/Data Sciences and Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence. Alongside the theoretical foundations

will be apprenticeship with an employer either as paid or unpaid internships in core knowledge, skills,

competencies and proficiencies using a series of Training Badges approved and recognized by Employers.

Each Badge proves the mastery a core set of skills competencies and proficiencies in a specific area.




Prerequisites

In addition to the requirements established by Albany State University for the admission of students into

programs, the prerequisites for the Nexus Degree courses are

(i) Basic Statistics Math 2411,

(ii) An Introductory course in Programming (CSCI1301) in Java, Python, C++ or other high level language,

and

(iii) An Introduction to Data Science (CSCI3350) using either tools such as R, Python, Watson Studio or

SAS.

It is the student's responsibility to meet these prerequisites based on individual student evaluation by Albany

State University Department of Math and Computer Science. If a student does not have the required

prerequisites, there are lower level courses offered at the University to help students meet the prerequisites.

Information about these courses can be obtained from the Department of Math and Computer Science at

Albany State University.

Indication of whether the program will be offered 50% or more online (Yes or No): Yes

The Program will be offered in face to face, hybrid and online delivery modes in order to accommodate the different student populations who will include students directly from High School, College Students undertaking different degree programs, employees of different companies who may wish to acquire the Nexus Degree Specialization and other Part Time Students.

References

1. What Boards Should Know, The Essential Eight technologies, Board byte: blockchain, Governance

Insights Center, Technology series, Emerging technologies: Price Waterhouse Consultants, Feb. 2018,

www.pwc.com/us/governanceinsightscenter, last accessed May 2018

2. Cheng, Steve; Daub, Matthias; Domeyer, Axel; Lundqvist, Martin, 2017, “Using

Blockchain to Improve Data Management in the Public Sector”, Digital McKinsey,

McKinsey & Company, Online, last accessed 25 August 2017,

http://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/digital-mckinsey/our-insights/usingblockchain-

to-improve-data-management-in-the-public-sector

3. Artificial intelligence and machine learning in financial services

Market developments and financial stability implications, Financial Stability Board, www.fsb.org,

November 1st 2017, last accessed, May 2018.




4. McKinsey Global Institute: Artificial Intelligence, The Next Frontier, Discussion paper, June 2017,

www.mckinsey.com/mgi, last accessed May 2018.

5. McKinsey Global Institute: The Age of Analytics, 2016, www.mckinsey.com/mgi, last accessed May

2018.

6. Jobs of the Future, Society For Human Resource Management,

https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/research-and-surveys/Documents/Data-Analysis-

Skills.pdf, last accessed May 2018.

7. ACT-IAC, 2017, “Enabling Blockchain Innovation in the U.S. Federal

Government: A Blockchain Primer”, Online, last accessed 6 April 2018,

https://www.actiac.org/system/files/ACTIAC%

20ENABLING%20BLOCKCHAIN%20INNOVATION_3.pdf

8. ASU PLAYBOOK, by Dr. Art Recesso, Chief Innovation Officer, Board of Regents, University

System of Georgia.

9. https://spectrum.ieee.org/view-from-the-valley/at-work/tech-careers/desperate-for-data-scientists